MEMPHIS — With each day, the Nets confidence seems to grow that they can structure a deal – although it may be as complicated as nuclear physics – to land Carmelo Anthony.

From the start, the Nets have believed they were in the running because of the package they could assemble and offer the Nuggets. Now, with last week’s trade that landed two more first round picks, the package could be even more attractive.

Derrick Favors, picks, Troy Murphy’s expiring contract, Devin Harris. All are pieces that have been discussed. And obviously, there are other components. The Nets, if Harris goes, must be certain they get a point guard in return.

As one league source described the “process,” the Nets are offering some things the Nuggets don’t want, the Nuggets are asking for other things the Nets don’t want to give. But nothing is really seen as a deal-breaker. The Nets want, need, crave Anthony. They have called around trying to expand the field to make sure every base is covered. Who have they called?

“Oh, only about 25 teams,” one person said – only half jokingly.

For some time, the belief was that the Nuggets wanted “closure,” and that the deal could be done by month’s end.

One source directly involved in the “process,” said Tuesday he believed it would happen “by the end of the month” but another said there is no timeframe at all.

“Tomorrow, next week, February. It’s a process.”

But no one rules it out.

The Nets will absorb salary, say Al Harrington (again, not a deal breaker, even with a 5-year, $32 million contract) if need be but they’re not going to give away all their flexibility and picks. And Anthony, who the Nets are convinced is not as anti-Newark for a year-and-a-half as some believe, wants to be certain he is not walking into one-star and assorted pieces situation. Anthony and the Melo-ettes isn’t going to appeal. The Nets, conversely, must be certain he is signed up to an extension.

The Nets also believe they still hold a major ace up their sleeve with owner Mikhail Prokhorov who, if necessary, will sell the franchise which, as everyone knows, didn’t work too swell with LeBron. But that was a different scenario.

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Coach Avery Johnson admitted he talks to “certain” players about the unrelenting flow of trade rumors that come both locally and nationally.

“Certain guys. I wouldn’t say they’re young. If we think there’s a need for a conversation, we’ll do it. We haven’t addressed that with our young guys here recently,” Johnson said.

So figure that’s Harris and Murphy.

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Murphy heard how Johnson said his professionalism on the court and off the court has earned him playing time.

“Cool,” Murphy said.

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One way to get Murphy time is to employ Favors as the backup five. Favors said there really is no difference in the system just, “I’ll be going against some bigger bodies, that’s all.”

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Same lineup Tuesday night for the Nets – Travis Outlaw starts at three, Stephen Graham starts at two as Quinton Ross is still out with a bruised lower back. He’s doubtful for Wednesday in New Orleans, too.